Tony Giorgio Movies
- 1997
Stage director Anthony Caldarella made his film directorial debut with this drama demonstrating the horror of heroin-addiction impacting on an Italian-American family. During the early '50s, the Casale clan leaves Sicily, arriving at NYC's Lower East Side. It's a time when young Joey Casale (Freddy Capra) is impressed by the magic tricks of older brother Jack (Marco Leonardi). By 1963, however, Jack is deep into drugs, and his heroin habit causes grief for his mother Rose (Karen Colonna Kondazian) and his three straight-arrow brothers: Joey is an industrious student, Vincent (Michael Cavalieri) is a blues musician, while Sal (Peter Alla) manages a successful local trattoria. All make efforts to steer Jack in the right direction, but Jack's self-destructive downward descent seems unstoppable. Shown at the 1997 Hamptons Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marco Leonardi, Freddy Capra, (more)
Edward J. Olmos made his directorial bow with the powerhouse crime saga American Me. Olmos stars as street-gang leader Santana, who during his 18 years in Folsom Prison rules over all the drug-and-murder activities behind bars. Upon his release, Santana goes back to his old neighborhood, intending to lead a peaceful, crime-free life. But his old gang buddies force him back into his old habits. The omniprescene of the "Mexican Mafia" in the southwest is sufficient to make this film a daunting, demoralizing experience. Upon its release, American Me received a lot of press play due to the fact that Olmos shot his Folsom sequences on location, using actual prisoners as extras and bit players. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edward James Olmos, William Forsythe, (more)
- 1985
In high dudgeon, Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) flies off to Buenos Aires to confront Ron Sawyer (Mark Lonow), the accountant who swindled her out of her fortune--and indirectly forced her to team up with wisecracking private eye David (Bruce Willis). As Maddie imagines all sorts of scenarios wherein she puts Sawyer in his place and recovers her money, David decides to head to Buenos Aires as well--not to get his cut of the loot, but because, much to his amazement, he misses the contentious Maddie. Alas, any hopes that the two detectives would consummate their relationship are dashed during a climactic poker game. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Season Three of The A-Team begins as Hannibal (George Peppard), B.A. (Mr. T), Face (Dirk Benedict) and Murdock (Dwight Schultz) head to Miami at the request of two pretty young lasses, Sandy (Kimberly Ross) and Tina Betsy Russell). The girls run a tourist hotel which may be put out of business by gangster Joey Epic (Vincent Baggetta). Taking charge of the hotel for a while, the A-Team finds out that Epic is in league with Prescott (Ben Piazza), a crooked congressman who is pressing for legalized gambling in Miami, the better to take a juicy slice of the proceedings. The climax features the by-now-standard improvised weaponry, including a "machine gun" which shoots nails! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Cartoonist Tom Wilson's loveable, optimistic, funny-page favorite comes to life as never before in this hand-drawn holiday special featuring animation by Richard Williams, Eric Goldberg, and Tom Sito and featuring music by Grammy-award winning recording artists Harry Nilsson and Perry Botkin. As the holiday season kicks into full gear, not everyone is feeling Christmas cheer and Ziggy decides to do his part in spreading goodwill by playing Santa Claus to collect money for the poor. With his faithful pooch Fuzz by his side, Ziggy takes to the streets in hopes of making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Of course there will always be a few dishonest souls looking to take advantage of those in need, but with a little luck and a healthy dose of holiday cheer, Ziggy and his pal Fuzz will certainly find a way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1981
TV movies dealing with Elvis Presley are always good for a few vital extra rating points, and Elvis and the Beauty Queen was no exception to this rule. The King, here played by Don Johnson, is first seen here at the age of 37. Elvis falls in love with 21-year-old Miss Universe contestant Linda Thompson (Stephanie Zimbalist), and the two stay together for five years, remaining as close as it's possible to be a world populated of managers, gophers and sycophants. Linda tries to wean Presley off drugs, but you and I and everyone in the universe knows how that turned out. There's nothing here that hasn't already been trampled to death by the tabloids, but diehard Elvis fanatics will be satisfied. Three surprises: Elvis and the Beauty Queen was not telecast on Elvis' birthday; it wasn't telecast on the anniversary of his death; and it premiered in March of 1981, several weeks after the February "sweeps". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
The police are continually frustrated in their efforts to catch an elusive burglar. They know the criminal's identity, and they're aware that he steals only when he needs to pay his gambling debts, but they've yet to catch him red-handed. The Angels are commissioned to "tap out" the miscreant and force him into another burglary. (Entrapment? Well, not exactly....) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Kate Jackson, (more)
- 1975
Kojak (Telly Savalas) is startled to learn that his nephew Johnny (Michael Mullins) has turned to drugs--and even more so that the boy may have been an accomplice in the murder of a pusher. In order to get to the truth of the matter, Kojak must subject Johnny to a grueling interrogation--which may prove impossible unless the boy goes "cold turkey." In desperation, the detective turns to an ex-addict named Sonny (Neville Brand) to scare Johnny straight. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
James Gregory guest stars as Neal Brackett, the father of Rampart's chief surgeon Kelly Brackett, who checks into the hosptial to be treated for phlebitis. It's a tense situation, to be sure--but not quite as tense as the one facing the emergency squad as they try to rescue a man from a power transformer which has crashed into his bedroom, and another man whose fireplace has exploded. And in a lesser crisis, the squad helps an elderly magician (Tony Giorgio) extricate himself from a malfunctioning trunk. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
The initials in the episode's title stand for "Grand Theft Auto", and that particular crime is what occupies the time of Officers Jim Reed (Kent McCord) and Pete Malloy (Martin Milner). Several older automobiles have been stolen over a short period of time, and the two cops figure that the solution to this crime wave may be found in a local scrap-metal yard which caters to foreign customers. Featured in the cast is veteran movie heavy Leo Gordon, who also scripted this episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This fast-paced Disney endeavor stars Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann as two adolescents with acute psychic powers. The kids are actually space aliens, but suffer from amnesia and are unaware of their origins. Pursued by greedy business-mogul Ray Milland, who wants to harness their special powers for his benefit, Kim and Ike are rescued by likeable camper Eddie Albert. He and the kids escape to the mountain of the title when Albert's RV suddenly acquires the power of flight. In 1978, the film spawned the sequel Return from Witch Mountain. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eddie Albert, Ray Milland, (more)
- 1974
The centerpiece of this tense episode is a hostage situation on the roof of a shopping center. Having bungled a robbery, two armed criminals grab a female hostage and head to the roof. In their efforts to rescue the woman, Officers Reed (Kent McCord) and Malloy (Martin Milner) finds themselves engaging in a deadly war of nerves with the desperate thieves. Ironically, the "helpless" hostage is played by Regina Parton, one of Hollywood's best and bravest stuntwomen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
Syndicate chieftan Rudy Keppler (John Vernon) leaves the security of his Caribbean hideway and sneaks back into the States. He plans to kill Nick Thomas (Vic Mohica), the young hood who has murdered Keppler's brother in a Mob power play. Striking while the iron is hot, Inspector Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) hopes to persuade Keppler to get even in a nonviolent fashion by testifying against his former colleagues--but Keppler isn't buying. A young Joan Van Ark appears as a duplicitous Syndicate moll. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This violent blaxploitation film stars Jim Brown as the owner of a Los Angeles nightclub. When his brother, a Vietnam veteran, is murdered by gangsters, Brown gathers some of his brother's fellow veterans and an assortment of ex-convicts to get brutal revenge. Martin Landau, Luciana Paluzzi, and Jeannie Bell head the cast, along with genre regulars Bruce Glover, Bernie Casey, and Gary Conway. Director Robert Hartford-Davis is best known for horror films like Incense of the Damned and Corruption, while Brown went on to more successful genre fare in Slaughter and Slaughter's Big Rip-Off. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- 1971
Written by Harold Livingston, "The Merchant" guest-stars George Sanders in one of his final acting roles, as illegal arms dealer Armand Andressarian. To prevent Andressarian from completing an arrangement to sale guns to unfriendly guerilla groups in Africa and the middle East, the IMF swings into action. The success of the mission hinges largely on a fixed poker game, a past speciality of IMF agent Barney Collier. Leonard Nimoy and Lesley Ann Warren make their final series appearances. "The Merchant" originally aired on March 13, 1971, as the last episode of Mission:Impossible's fifth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
The IMF heads to London with instructions to identify the head of an espionage ring, a mysterious figure known only as K. To flush out their quarry, the agents enlist the unwitting aid of the beautirful and aristocratic enemy agent Lady Cora Weston (Jane Merrow). Maneuvering Lady Cora into a romantic triangle, Phelps and Paris nearly scuttle the mission when one of the men falls genuinely in love with the woman. The magnificent John Williams also appears as the cuckolded Lord Williams. First seen on February 22, 1970, "Lover's Knot" was written by Laurence Heath. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
The only three-part adventure in the history of Mission: Impossible, "The Falcon" was written by series stalwart Paul Playdon. The IMF's assignment is to restore the rightful heir to a European throne. The usurping General Ramon Sabattini (John Vernon) hopes to gain control of the monarchy by marrying his cousin Francesca (Diane Baker), and to that end has threatened to kill Francesca's imprisoned fiance Prince Stefan (Joseph Reale). With the help of a falcon, not to mention the magical skills of agent Paris, the IMF endeavors to rescue Stephen and return the crown to young King Nicolai (Noel Harrision). Lee Meriwether makes her fourth appearance as IMF agent Tracey. Part One of "The Falcon" first aired January 4, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
In the conclusion of the three-part Mission: Impossible adventure "The Falcon," Phelps manages to rescue Prince Stephan (Joseph Reale), who has been imprisoned to force a marriage between his fiancee Princess Francesca (Diane Baker) and royal usurper General Sabattini (John Vernon). Meanwhile, the IMF agents keep the rightful heir to the throne, King Nicolai (Noel Harrison), under wraps, while Paris poses as Nicolai in order to throw the King's potential assassins off the track. But will the agents, including the lovely Tracey (Lee Meriwether) be able to rescue themselves before Sabattini wises up? Written by Paul Playdon, Episode Three of "The Falcon" first aired on January 18, 1970, as the final chapter of the series' last multipart story. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
In Part Two of the three-part Mission: Impossible adventure "The Falcon", Willy poses as the Bishop who is to perform the marriage ceremony between General Sabattini (John Vernon), the pretender to a European throne, and the General's reluctant fiancee Princess Francesca (Diane Baker). Meanwhile, Paris poses as a master illusionist and mind-reader in order to rescue King Nicolai (Noel Harrison), rightful heir to the throne. Lee Meriwether again appears as IMF agent Tracey, here pretending to be Paris' stage assistant Mme. Vinski. Written by Paul Playdon, Part Two of "The Falcon" was originally telecast on January 11, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
Today's shift finds mobile officers Pete Malloy (Martin Milner) and Jim Reed (Kent McCord) chasing after a man suspected of kidnapping a child. The two cops also deal with an escaped prisoner, and with a vicious gang of armored-car hijackers. Featured in the supporting cast is venerable character actor Burt Mustin (84 years old when this episode was filmed) and former Western sidekick Rand Brooks, who in 1970 was the owner of an ambulance service which provided a number of vehicles for Jack Webb's various police shows. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Captured by brainwashing expert Dr. Paul Tabor (Mark Richman), IMF agent Paris is transformed into a human killing machine. Released from captivity, Paris remembers nothing of his ordeal, and returns to his colleagues--unaware that he has been programmed to assassinate IMF leader Jim Phelps. Jill Haworth costars as Enid, a beautiful double agent with whom Paris falls in love, and who may or may not be willing and able to prevent Jim's death. Scripted by Gene Kearney from a story by Kearney and William Wood, "My Friend, My Enemy?" was first broadcast on October 24, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
Hoping to expose a card sharp named Martino (Herbert Rudle), Tony (Larry Hagman) insinuates himself into a card game along with Roger (Bill Daily), Dr. Bellows (Hayden Rorke) and Gen. Schaeffer (Vinton Hayworth). But thanks to the intervention of Jeannie (Barbara Eden), Bellows and Schaeffer become convinced that Tony is the cheater, and not Martino. Worse still, a mobster muscles into the action, relegating poor Roger to a dunk in the ocean with his feet in cement! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Cahiers du Cinema favorite Phil Karlson may have directed the "Matt Helm" extravaganza The Wrecking Crew, but the only "auteur" around these parts is star Dean Martin, coasting through yet another sexy spy romp. This time, secret agent Helm must prevent a billion-dollar gold hijacking, masterminded by the unspeakable Count Massimo Contini (Nigel Green). Aiding and abetting our hero is all-thumbs Scandinavian spy Freya Carlson (a brilliant comic turn by the late Sharon Tate). Sidebar: future action-star Chuck Norris plays a minor role, while Bruce Lee served as the film's martial-arts advisor. The last of the Matt Helm films, The Wrecking Crew was sort of based on a novel by Donald Hamilton; like the other films in the series, the title bears precisely no relation to the plot. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dean Martin, Elke Sommer, (more)
- 1975
- R
Ben Gazzara stars in this low-level depiction of legendary gangster Al Capone, who rose to command the mob underworld in 1920's Chicago. Born in Brooklyn, Capone joins his first gang at the age of 11. From there, he graduates to the infamous "Five Points Gang" run by Johnny Torrio (Harry Guardino). After moving to Chicago a few years later and wiping out Torrio's crimeboss uncle, Capone becomes Torrio's right hand man. Capone becomes head of the area's prostitution and racketeering business, but, as his mind deteriorates from syphillis, so does his empire. There's not much to recommend here, aside from a surprisingly good appearance by Sylvester Stallone as fellow gangster Frank Nitti. Gazzara is frankly awful in the title role and producer Roger Corman uses stock shootout footage from other gangster films, including footage of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre from his own, earlier movie on the subject. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ben Gazzara, Susan Blakely, (more)
Blaxploitation icon Pam Grier stars as Foxy Brown, a sexy but streetwise woman whose ne'er-do-well brother Link (Antonio Fargas) is a drug dealer who owes mobsters 20,000 dollars. To get the hoods off his back, Link names Foxy's boyfriend as a government agent trying to wipe out organized crime, and the mob soon has him rubbed out. But Hell hath no fury like Foxy Brown scorned; posing as a hooker to get the inside scoop on the mob, she goes on a crusade to find out who murdered her man, and she exacts revenge with the help of a local activist group. The supporting cast includes cult figure Sid Haig as a bad guy (as usual) and Peter Brown and Kathryn Loder as a seriously kinky couple who rule the local mob. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Pam Grier, Antonio Fargas, (more)
